Most people think of only Thailand or Bali for beaches and islands, but if you ask me, Palawan is on another level!
With its lush rainforests, white sand beaches, hidden caves and lagoons, and numerous incredible snorkel- and dive sites, Palawan is one of the true highlights of The Philippines.
I’ll share the most common travel route through Palawan with tips for all key stops along the way, including El Nido and Coron.
Plan your Palawan trip
- Palawan tours & activities
- Browse hotels & guesthouses
- Find cheap hostels
- Book local buses & ferries
El Nido or Palawan?
Your first decision is whether to stay only in El Nido or to explore several destinations in Palawan.
Palawan itinerary
It’s easy to independently plan your Palawan trip. All transport can be booked online, and local tours can be booked online or in person.
How to get to Palawan
There are no scheduled ferries to Palawan (and they would take too long anyway), so you’ll have to fly. You have three options.
Let’s take a look at the key destinations in Palawan, from south to north:
Puerto Princesa
The gateway to Palawan, worth just a stopover
Sabang & Underground River
Laid-back beach town next to a World Heritage Site
Port Barton
A quiet and back-to-basics village where you can be in nature
El Nido
Epic karst landscapes and enchanting lagoons
How to get to Busuanga
From El Nido, it is very easy to go to Busuanga.
Busuanga Island & Coron
Breathtaking views, coral gardens, and rich history
And that wraps it up for our highlights of Palawan, a region many consider a true paradise! A 90-minute flight from Busuanga Airport will take you straight back to the capital, from where you can go home or explore other regions of the Philippines.
